HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCU)
In Remembrance
Rita Kelly
February 1944 - January 2005
To many Rita was a warm, genuine, caring and thoughtful person. She loved people and recognized the potential in everyone, regardless of race and the superficial things commonly considered in the world today. She was a friend, confidant, respected colleague, mentor, grandmother, mother and wife. She loved life and consistently put forth extra effort to help others.
To achieve social, political and individual goals it is important to develop social capital. Rita developed several skills early in her life which she later used to help people and to develop social capital. Cooking was something she mastered and embraced. She could cook an unforgettable meal and entertain guests, making them feel like they were right at home and always welcome. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than the common home social.
Rita was gifted inside and outside of the home. She was active in several organizations including, the Olympia Branch of the Tacoma Urban League, The Thurston Group of Washington State, the New Life Baptist Church trustee board and North Thurston Public Schools. She helped plan and execute the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Washington Center in Olympia for approximately 10 years. Frequently she would invite people into her home. Rita treasured participating in and occasionally hosting Nisqually Middle School functions.
Rita loved to shop and it showed in the way she looked. Always carrying herself in a graceful and dignified manner. In 1984 she opened Rita's Bags and Accessories in Anchorage, Alaska. She ran this enterprise from 1984 through 1987. Once again it was her social prowess and ability to interact with people that propelled her success.
In all her business promotionals she never forgot about involving people. The annual fur shows were social occasions, political and business events, and a multicultural activity for the Anchorage community. Highly successful fashion shows were planned, coordinated and promoted through women's organizations throughout the city. All of the models were professional women with a flair for fashion. A sizable amount of the proceeds from the fur shows went to charitable and nonprofit enterprises.
Rita has always been a soft spoken and pleasant person to deal with. But somewhere along life's journey she learned to capitalize on that quiet strength while remaining assertive. Whether at work, in the business community, at church or at home Rita's opinion held sway. She mastered the ability to facilitate and to lead without dominating. She could get things done without forcing her personal will upon another.
Perhaps one of her greatest social capital assets was her ability to work on teams and to affect change without being intrusive. She often influenced decision making although her only title was "member." Successfully encouraging board members to work toward their goals without pushing or being confrontational is one of the many talents she possessed.
Caring is a characteristic that must be genuine. It is a spiritual quality nurtured in the soul. Caring was the radiance in her smile. Caring was reflected in the way she dressed. Caring was the essence of her interpersonal relationship with students, parents, board members, co-workers and the like. Kings and paupers were given equal portions of care. It might be said that Rita lived in a house by the side of the road of life and daily ministered to those in need. Her radiance and warmth will be missed.